Why Returning to Your Home Country Could Be the Best Option for Some International Students in Canada
For international students in Canada who struggle to meet the criteria for permanent residency, returning to their home countries may be a more practical option.
This shift comes in response to Canada’s immigration policies, which aim to limit the number of temporary residents in the coming years. With an increasing number of temporary residents and a small annual quota for permanent residency, competition for permanent status has become more intense.
Although Canada has long been a popular destination for international students, the path to permanent residency can be challenging. With over 3 million temporary residents and a restricted number of permanent residency spots, the competition is fierce, especially as more international students continue to arrive annually, despite the cap on admissions.
For international students, the transition from temporary to permanent residency can be especially difficult. Even though Canada has resumed Canadian Experience Class Express Entry draws, the growing number of international students puts additional pressure on the system. As a result, those nearing the end of their Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) must evaluate their options carefully.
These students are often faced with a tough choice: leave Canada or attempt to extend their stay through uncertain means. One of the driving forces behind these changes is Canada’s effort to regulate immigration levels in response to rising asylum claims, particularly from students seeking to remain in the country.
Moreover, Canada’s aging population requires a continuous influx of younger skilled workers. However, the government seeks to manage this process carefully to ensure that new immigrants can integrate effectively into the workforce and society.
As Migrate Wisdom notes, “these changes mean that holding a study permit will no longer guarantee an easy transition to permanent residency.” Immigration Minister Mark Miller emphasized the importance of balancing immigration levels to maintain economic stability and avoid overwhelming housing, jobs, and public services.
The government’s plan includes reducing new permanent residency quotas by up to 20% and limiting postgraduate work permit extensions. This may leave many students with a difficult decision once their studies conclude: either find other ways to stay or return to their home countries.
Here are some reasons why it might make sense for international students to return home:
1) Ethical Concerns and Avoiding Unethical Strategies The temptation to stay in Canada through questionable methods, such as buying Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) or reapplying for a new study permit, can be strong. However, these strategies carry significant risks, including legal consequences, increased stress, and high financial costs. A safer approach would be to leave Canada once the PGWP expires and focus on meeting the permanent residency requirements from abroad.
2) Strengthening Your Profile from Abroad The Canadian work experience you gained during your stay is valid for up to three years, giving you time to work on improving your profile while back in your home country. You can enhance your skills, qualifications, and language proficiency to boost your chances of qualifying for permanent residency.
3) Financial Relief and Stability The rising cost of living in Canada can place considerable strain on international students, making it difficult to meet financial obligations while also working towards immigration goals. Returning to your home country can provide significant financial relief, allowing you to focus on meeting immigration criteria without the burden of high living costs.
4) French Language Advantage Learning French can be a valuable asset for those hoping to qualify for the Francophone Express Entry draws, which tend to have lower Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off scores. While mastering French in Canada may be challenging, returning home offers more time and fewer distractions to focus on language learning, which could significantly improve your chances of securing permanent residency.
5) Gaining Relevant Work Experience Canada’s immigration system places high value on candidates with skilled work experience, particularly those with at least one year in a targeted occupation. Given the tight job market in Canada, it may be easier to gain the necessary experience back home. Securing a position in a relevant field can make you a more competitive candidate for future immigration draws.
